In recent years, a growing number of celebrity mothers have opened up about their struggles with postpartum depression, shedding light on a once-taboo topic. However, the way these stories have been framed has created a cultural expectation of selfless motherhood, leading to backlash against those who don't conform to this narrative.

Shattering the Silence, Reinforcing the Stigma

The Emergence of Postpartum Depression Narratives

Before the 1990s, American celebrities rarely discussed their mental health struggles publicly, including postpartum depression. This changed in 1999 when singer and television star Marie Osmond opened up about the postpartum depression she experienced after the birth of her seventh child. Osmond's decision to speak out was groundbreaking, as her discussions of postpartum depression framed her illness and recovery in a conservative manner, emphasizing the impact on her role as a mother.

Brooke Shields and the Romanticization of Motherhood

In 2005, actress Brooke Shields released her own memoir of postpartum depression, which also reinforced the idea that addressing the illness was more about making a woman a better and happier mother than about her own needs. Shields' public story and advocacy work helped destigmatize psychiatric medication use, but her approach to the topic centered on loving motherhood as the key victory of recovery, rather than her own wellness.

The Backlash Against Cardi B

More recent celebrity narratives of postpartum depression, such as Halle Bailey's, have been subtler than those of the early 2000s, but often reproduce aspects of the script that prioritizes women's motherhood over their personhood. This has created a culture in which judgment awaits the celebrity mother who behaves differently, as seen in the backlash against Cardi B for exercising and partying shortly after giving birth.

The Damage of Maternal Self-Sacrifice

The cultural expectations of selfless motherhood for women struggling with their mental health ultimately discourage women from determining and pursuing their own needs on their own terms. It's crucial to recognize that recovering from postpartum depression is different for each woman, and there must be cultural space for different varieties of healing and rebuilding.

The Importance of Authentic Narratives

Countless celebrity women have authentically described their experiences, helping to educate and raise awareness about postpartum depression in a way little else could. However, these discussions have often prioritized women's motherhood over their personhood, and emphasized maternal self-sacrifice. This has created a hierarchy in which a mother's wants and needs are always secondary, with judgment awaiting those who don't conform to the expected narrative.

Towards a More Inclusive Approach

As more women, both celebrity and non-celebrity, continue to share their stories of postpartum depression, it's crucial that the cultural narrative evolves to recognize the diverse experiences and needs of those affected. By moving beyond the narrow definition of "good motherhood" and embracing the complexity of postpartum mental health, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for all women navigating this challenging experience.